All SVU Characters belong to Dick Wolf

~Cousins~

About a week before her encounter with Olivia, Alex could barely take it anymore. When she got something in her head it stuck and tormented her until she dealt with it. But how, in god's name, was she supposed to deal with this random novelty of a girl she didn't even know? She felt distracted, and Alex hated feeling distracted, which unfortunately only distracted her more. So, after getting home from school last Thursday, Alex did the only thing that could help at times like this; as soon as she got home she rushed up to her bedroom (barely pausing to say hello to her parents) picked up the phone and dialed her cousin's long distance number. Mia, Alex thought, always seemed to know just what to do in these unusual situations.

During the phone call Alex had told her cousin all about The Girl. Mia was the only person Alex had always confided in and told everything to, ever since they where little girls. She felt more comfortable with Mia than anyone; She could laugh with her and even cry with her…Not that she couldn't do any of these things with her parents or friends, but it only came naturally with her cousin. With everyone else Alex always tried to be her best, even with herself… But for some reason when it came to Mia, Alex had no inhibitions what so ever.

Mia and Alex where the same age, and so where their mothers (fraternal twins that where as close to identical as that would allow) But aside from similar height, grace, and cheekbones, Mia and Alex looked very different. They had both taken after their fathers, in appearance and in character. In fact, though some cousins look similar enough, it would have been tough to guess that these two were related at all… Except that if you saw them walking side by side you might notice that both girls moved with the same easy, confidant, grace. Like her fairer cousin, Mia was quite tall and thin, though not gangly by any means. Her face was refined, well sculpted (even at 16) she had a small refined nose, but thanks to o her Latin father, it was softer than her Mother's pointed one. The girl's mothers had thin lips but, again like Alex, Mia took after her father for the most part, and though her lips were still refined they where full and shapely. There was also bit more curve to her hips and breasts, making her seem older than she was. Mia's complexion was fair, though slightly more olive than Alex's. But what set them apart the most where their features: While Alex was a picture of fair loveliness, with her silk platinum hair and icy blue eyes. Mia was a dark haired beauty. Her long espresso mane was usually highlighted with strands of Auburn, and chestnut (though Alex was never sure whether the effect was intentional or the natural lightning of the sun) so that her tumbling glossy waves always caught the light… Alex had always loved Mia's thick voluptuous hair, not so much because she disliked her own (She liked it very much) but because while she had to put a great deal of effort into making her silky hair look perfect, Mia did not. Those luxurious waves always seemed to have a way of falling perfectly, all on their own. Alex couldn't help but think that her cousin's hair came strait out of a Pantene commercial… Mia's eyes matched her hair perfectly: Big and beautiful, they were the same dark yet radiant colour, laced by think black feathering lashes…She had often laughed at herself, telling Alex that she had brown cow, or giraffe eyes, and Alex had to agree only because she though both animals had absolutely beautiful eyes. Though unlike the benign look of a cow or giraffe Mia's eyes were a vivid medley of emotion and intelligence. Mia was a Beautiful young woman (for her appearances had always advanced her years) of that there was no dispute, but what Alex loved most about her cousin was her manner.

Though Mia was indeed striking for such a young girl, she was also exceptionally intelligent… A very different intelligence from Alex's. Though they where both sharp witted and book-smart Mia was also wise, far beyond her years. Those who knew her said she had an old soul, yet she was free spirited and seemed it seemed like nothing ever brought her too far down. This was a blessing from the girls' mothers as twins where perpetual rays of sunshine. Mia could easily handle herself with ease and the appropriate level of maturity no matter what the situation: She was perfectly at home going to black tie event's with her father and just as at home goofing off with little children. Her personal style from what she wore to the way she spoke and gestured, was classy yet effortless… She was naturally confident but rarely condescending or intimidating, she trusted her instinct and it was often right, she could be prudent but wasn't afraid of impulse, she did not only know what was right but knew how to act on it. For a teenager, Mia was remarkably tactful and emotionally intelligent… There was the core difference between Mia and Alex, and though no one is perfect, Alexandra was sure that Mia came as close as possible, without even trying.

Alex was often surprised at herself for not being jealous of her cousin, but she wasn't. She had an admiration and love for Mia that went beyond such shallow emotions. She had always been Alex's confidante and closest friend, they where more like sisters than cousins: each felt blessed to have the other and un-whole without them… Long ago the two girls had attributed this closeness to the fact that their mothers were twins, and perhaps it was true.

So it was, that, after intently listening to Alex venting her unexplainable frustration and observations about The Girl, Mia Said:

"Honey, you have to talk to her."

"How? She doesn't want to be spoken to" Alex felt bewildered

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do, you can tell by just looking at her"

"Maybe you aren't looking deep enough. From what you've said, I bet she really needs someone to talk to"

"You're probably right, but that doesn't change that she doesn't WANT to talk"

"Well you'll never know if you don't try" Mia persisted

"I know but… I don't even know ware to start, we have never even looked at each other What, am I supposed to walk up to her and be like "Hi I'm Alex, I've been stalking you. Please talk to me?"

"Well you could give that a shot if you really wan too." Mia couldn't help but laugh "and you aren't stalking her, Silly."

"Well I feel like I am… and I hope you're kidding because I could NEVER actually say that! She would think I was an idiot."

"I was kidding, Lex" Mia said softening her tone, she could tell Alex was feeling frustrated and arguing with her, even playfully, would only make it worse. "But you have to take the a chance here, one way or the other, or this will all just drive you crazy."

"It is driving me crazy. I don't take chances, you know that." Suddenly Alex felt like crying.

"I know babe…" Mia's voice was steady and comforting, she could read Alex like a book. "But there's no way of getting around it. I don't think she'll ever come to you, so you have to be the bigger person here and go to her."

"I can't…" Alex's voice quivered a she felt her eyes fill to the brim "I'm not like you Mia… What do I say? What if she hates me? I'll die.

"No you won't, I promise. You might feel bad if she turns you away, but you'll feel worse if you don't try. Just be as honest as you can."

Alex nodded into the phone, as she let her tears spill over, she knew Mia was right, but putting herself in a vulnerable position like that terrified her. She clutched the phone close and let herself cry a little "Mia can't you come talk to her for me?" she pleaded, half in earnest, for once not caring that she sounded childish.

"No babe, I wish I could"

"I can't do this…" Alex sobbed quietly

"Yes you can Lexy" Mia said tenderly. She never understood why not being in complete control in any situation sacred Alex so much, but she knew it did. She knew her cousin rarely broke down for that very reason, and it hurt her that she couldn't be there to comfort Alex. "Shhh… It's going to be ok … I promise."

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